I read the article with great interest paticularly as I run Ethno England an International youth Folkmusic Camp in England. Ethno England is based upon the idea that the participants teach their own traditions and learn others. Every countrys music at the camp is relevant, even British Folk Music. I think this relevance also applies on the world stage.

Your ears may well be used to the music you have been hearing, they may even be tired of hearing it!! But does that make it past its sell by date?, I don't think so paticularly as Traditional music is built on the concept of music being passed on for generations.
At Ethno Camps you tend to see an appreciation for all aspects of the traditions right down to the basic things in the traditions, like timing and beat.

My point really is 'Don't dis your own tradition' It has Lots to offer to ears not tuned in to British Folk Music.
To say "let's stop pushing British folk into spotlight - it's simply not relevant, and not good enough" Is plain crazy you just can't ignore a WHOLE tradition just because it does not have funky 'world' beats.

I think the truth of the tail is that British Folk Music has managed to get on the 'world' stage in a much less diluted form than other traditions. This is far more positive for the tradition and obiouly as it is less diluted means that the British traditional music starting point becomes even more relevant to the music. Adding world music beats is not the be all and end of world music, maybe, just maybe, world music means DIFFERENT types of music from around the world. Now there must be some space for British Folkmusic somewhere out there, shouldn't there?

I have rambled but I hope it is of some use.

Cheers, Sam